Affordable housing planned at former John Cootes site in Merrylands

Affordable housing units and a sprawling park will be incorporated into a residential development at the former John Cootes site at Merrylands.

Plans for the former John Cootes site at Merrylands will go on public exhibition.

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Affordable housing units and a sprawling park will be incorporated into a high-rise residential development at the former John Cootes site at Merrylands.

Cumberland Council will soon display plans for the site at 264 Woodville Rd (to be called Merrylands Village or Merrylands East Neighbourhood Centre) where the furniture store operated for decades.

Merc Capital will develop the site into a residential and retail complex.

Plans for the site now comprise eight affordable housing dwellings — four two-bedroom apartments and four one-bedroom units.

The John Cootes site at Merrylands.

Affordable housing has been earmarked for the former John Cootes furniture store site.

The number of units is still being determined but up to 540 units was listed last year.

Mayor Greg Cummings said 15 per cent of those being earmarked as affordable housing was a reasonable figure.

“We need to make the whole thing easier because homelessness is increasing in the western suburbs,’’ he said.

He also wants the development to be an employment drawcard and create 150 jobs.

“We need jobs. As far as youth unemployment, all the focus on national and state seems to be universities but we need semi-skilled jobs,’’ he said.

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Councillor Steve Christou welcomed the cheaper housing and shops but highlighted the need for better public transport connections.

“I think, with the retail aspect, it will definitely service an area between Guildford and Merrylands but it’s stuck between the train stations with not much bus routes,’’ he said.

“I think there needs to be more adequate buses designated to the area.

“Realistically you’re not going to get another train station between Guildford, Merrylands and Granville.

“When you put units up in mass numbers you need to cater for the mass population.”

Merc Capital chief executive officer Tony Merhi said a 2000sq m park, childcare centre, cafes, a gym and medical centre has been earmarked for the site.

“Demographic analysis shows there is a need for these facilities in the locality that will

complement the neighbourhood and surrounding area,’’ he said.

“The plans include a substantial amount of commercial/retail floor space that will enhance the

retail, services and job opportunities in the locality.”

The State Government must still approve the project, which is still the subject of rezoning from “low residential” to “mixed use”.

Cumberland Council general manager Hamish McNulty said a development application had not yet been lodged with the council.

“Council is negotiating the voluntary planning agreement with the applicant as part of the planning proposal stage,’’ Mr McNulty said.

“The agreement will be placed on public exhibition prior to finalisation.

“The exhibition of the voluntary planning agreement is scheduled in May, subject to completion of negotiations between council and the applicant.

“Council or the relevant planning panel cannot determine a development application for this site until the planning proposal is approved by the NSW Government.”